Mosquitoes Big Problem On Texas Coast After Rita

The U-S Air Force has been enlisted to battle the growing swarms of salt-grass mosquitoes in coastal Texas. The bloodsucking bugs have spawned dramatically in the watery aftermath of Hurricane Rita.

They've been attacking workers during the day as they try to restore power and repair storm damage. To combat the pests, the Air Force will use C-130 aircraft to spray pesticide in the evenings. Meanwhile, county aircraft will spray in the mornings.

In Jefferson County, trucks are also spraying neighborhoods in the evenings. Jefferson County Commissioner Mark Domingue says salt-grass mosquitoes are breeding in some areas at more than ten times the normal rate. He says salt-grass mosquitoes are "the kind that hurt when they bite."

As many as 65 bites per minute have been reported in Jefferson County and up to 200 in Cameron Parish.